Hardwood Paroxysm Presents: We’re not mad, we’re just disappointed and sad

Quitting will follow you forever, Rajon Rondo

by Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) — Hardwood Paroxysm

No matter how many different or digestible ways sports data is presented, it will never overcome a fan’s desire to believe. Dallas Mavericks fans had years of information about Rajon Rondo, but were willing to give him a chance to rediscover his pre-ACL injury form. His 50 game sample had mixed results, trending towards the negative but fans were still willing to give him a chance to redeem their faith in the playoffs.

The simple truth is Rajon Rondo has not been a very good or effective basketball player since returning from his ACL surgery. But countless articles and constant social media discussions will not dissuade some fans who witnessed the near transcendent play from Rondo in 2010. A 29 point, 18 rebound, 13 assist game has a way of sticking with you. Watching a player battle through a dislocated elbow is hard to forget. The legend that grew from a few Rondo peak performances will follow him as he continues his professional career.

But so will quitting on the 2014-15 Dallas Mavericks. Following a pedestrian first round game one against the Houston Rockets, Rajon Rondo had an epic collapse in Game 2 that may have been intentional. A first half eight second backcourt violation paired with passes to no one led to just eight first half minutes. He resumed his role with the starting line up in the second half, but committed two personal fouls on James Harden and picked up a technical in just 94 seconds. The fouls were lazy and the technical was petulant. The span allowed Houston to build momentum they would not relinquish

In only 10 minutes, Rondo had made his statement for all the world to see: he was not interested in playing basketball for the Dallas Mavericks. After building up a reputation of a mercurial genius with a penchant for big game heroics, Rondo displayed a startling lack of foresight. Quitting in a public fashion, even once, does not leave your reputation. “Playoff Rondo” may have always been a myth. Seeing the myth come crashing down in an act of self destruction was a painful reminder that faith is often not rewarded in sports.

Next: I’m Not Mad, Damian Lillard, I’m Disappointed